• Time:Mar 7 8:00 am – 3:00 pm, 2026
• Location:BGSU Firelands Cedar Point Conference Center, University Drive, Huron, OH 44839 | Get Directions
• Event Organizer:Tory Gabriel | Contact Host
• Event Category:Conferences | Show Similar

Ohio Sea Grant’s Charter Captains Conference helps prepare Lake Erie fishing charter boat captains for the upcoming season by providing updates about Lake Erie’s 2026 fishing outlook, environmental conditions, licensing, regulations and business topics. The event is open to the public, but is geared toward charter captains and their businesses. First mates, other crew members, and those interested in becoming charter captains should also attend.

Reduced cost: this year’s registration is only $25, which includes a catered lunch! Registration and payment is required by Feb. 25 to attend. (Registration tip: Once you click “CHECKOUT,” you will see a sign in page with options. Choose “CHECKOUT AS GUEST” to continue.)

The detailed agenda is downloadable on this page. Presentations include:
8:00-9:00 AM: Check in, Continental Breakfast, Visit Vendors, & Conversation

9:00-9:05 AM: Call to Order & Program Overview, Tory Gabriel, Extension Program Leader & Fisheries Educator, Ohio Sea Grant

9:05-9:20 AM: Welcoming Remarks, ODNR Lake Erie Perspectives, and Charter Captain of the Year Award Presentation, Chief Kendra Wecker, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

9:20-9:50 AM: Status of Lake Erie Fisheries & 2026 Fishing Outlook, Eric Weimer, Supervisor, Sandusky Fisheries Research Station, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

9:50-10:15 AM: Maritime Licensing Requirements, Chuck Kakuska, President, Sea K’s Maritime Licensing Service

10:15-10:25 AM: Introduction to Conference Vendors

10:25-10:55 AM: Break, Visit Vendors, Door Prizes

10:55-11:15 AM: Lake Erie Law Enforcement: Wildlife, Matthew Leibengood, Supervisor, Lake Erie Law Enforcement Unit, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

11:15-11:30 AM: Lake Erie Law Enforcement: Parks & Watercraft, Walt Hodgkiss, Natural Resources Captain, ODNR, Division of Parks & Watercraft

11:30 AM-NOON: U.S. Coast Guard News and 2026 Requirements, Presented by MSU Toledo and Coast Guard Auxiliary

NOON-1:15 PM: Catered Lunch, Visit Vendors, Door Prizes

1:15-1:40 PM: The Next Wave of Charter Insurance, Eric Fisher, Agency President, On The Water Marine Insurance

1:40-1:55 PM: Central Basin Walleye Spawning, Andrew Gable, Fisheries Biologist, Fairport Fisheries Research Station, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

1:55-2:35 PM: Ohio Commercial Yellow Perch Fishing: What You Need to Know, Travis Hartman, Lake Erie Fisheries Program Administrator, ODNR, Division of Wildlife

2:35-2:45 PM: Final Remarks, Door Prizes, and Adjourn

Please contact Tory Gabriel for more information.